Pop-Up Blockers

If you are unable to view Discussion postings, Quiz windows, and download links, then you MUST disable pop-up killers and/or ad-blockers on your system.

Pop-up killer and Ad Blocker applications work in the background while you browse the Internet. When they detect a pop-up window that may be an unwanted advertisement or unwanted content of any kind, they automatically close the window. This can prevent Blackboard from performing certain functions properly.

If you have installed any ad blocking software like Pop-Up Stopper, AdsGone PopUp Killer, Stopzilla, EndPopups, etc. that disables pop-up windows, you will need to disable it. Some applications may allow you to temporarily disable them and others programs require that you remove them.

In addition, internet security software and firewalls like ZoneAlarm Pro and Norton Internet Security also include ad blocking software and those must be configured to allow pop-up windows.

Launch Firefox

Select the Tools menu on the top of the Firefox window

Select Options at the bottom of tools menu

Select Content icon

UNcheck Block Popup Windows

Select OK button to exit

To disable other pop-up killers or ad-blockers:

Search your hard drive for any software with "pop-up" in the name and disable it. Examples of popular pop-up killer applications include:

Pop-Up Stopper

Pop-Up Defender

Pop-Up Zapper

Pop-up killing or ad-blocking functions are included in some anti-virus, internet security, personal firewall, and browser programs. Disable the relevant setting in the program. Examples include:

Move your cursor on top of each of the icon in the tool bar to find an icon that says something regarding pop-ups

Click on the icon to switch the pop-up off (for example, MSN tool bar, Google tool bar and advance search toolbar) when you are in MCC’s systems

OR

Click on the triangle next to the pop-up icon to bring up a drop down menu, and uncheck Enable pop-up Blocker

Applications which block pop-ups must be disabled while using Blackboard, or you will not be able to access many important Blackboard functions.

AOL

If you are having any problems using AOL with Blackboard follow these steps:

Connect to the Internet using AOL BUT do not go to any web sites using AOL

Minimize the AOL window

Launch Firefox

Click on the address bar and type the web address for Blackboard (http://blackboard.mcckc.edu) and press the Enter key. You can use the Bookmarks function in Firefox to bookmark the Blackboard login page.

Make sure that you have correctly set your browser settings using the links from the Browser Settings page for Firefox

Caution: When AOL is not in use while you are working on your class using Internet Explorer, AOL will consider the user inactive and will disconnect the user after a period of time. To remain active and avoid being disconnected, return to the main page of AOL every half hour or so and click on a link, check email, or check the weather (just do something in AOL). Following one or all of these tips will reset the AOL “inactivity timer”. Then continue working on your online course using Blackboard and Internet Explorer. Warning: If you are taking an exam and return to the AOL main page you will be locked out of your test and unable to continue.

Java Plug-In

The latest Java plug in MUST be installed to insure all the features in Blackboard work well. Download the latest free Java Plug in here:

Note 1: The latest Java plug in as of January 2009 is Version 6. Update 11
Note 2: Mac users can use the Software Update feature (available on the Apple menu) to check that you have the most up-to-date version of Java for your Mac
-The above links can also be found under “Student Services” Tab, in the section called “Free Software links”

Discussion Board

When you first respond to a post in the discussion board using IE or Firefox, you will get a pop up window asking you to accept the applet. Be sure to click Yes or Always.

Note 1: You will not be able to do this before the start day of the classNote 2: You cannot do this if your instructor does not enable discussion board
Note 3: You cannot do this before your instructor adds a forum